Feeling a little warm even though it’s cold outside? Getting unreasonably excited? Unable to accept reality and only believing a dream that will never come true? Longing for the summer? It sounds like you’ve got World Cup fever my friend!
Russia 2018 is just 194 days away and whilst we all hate pretty much all dalliances with international football in between international competitions there is quite literally nothing better than the World Cup.
Group B: Portugal, Spain, Iran, Morocco.
Group C: France, Peru, Denmark, Australia.
Group D: Argentina, Croatia, Iceland, Nigeria.
Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia,
Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea.
Group G: Belgium, England, Tunisia, Panama.
Group H: Poland, Colombia, Senegal, Japan.
England’s recent World Cup history isn’t too great and in Brazil three years ago they went out at the Group Stages after losses to Italy and Uruguay and a consolation draw after they already knew their fate.
Gareth Southgate will be hoping to raise the enthusiasm of the country after Roy Hodgson oversaw the team being knocked out of the Euros by Iceland in the summer of 2016.
It’s an interesting tournament for the hosts. Russia are ranked 65th in the world and will even struggle to get out of Group A which would raise questions about how much locals care if they get knocked out early.
Germany are the defending champions after beating Argentina in the Maracana three years, ago thanks to Mario Gotze’s extra time goal, and they’ll be one of the favourites again this time.
Joachim Low’s side have very recent form in Russia having won the Confederations Cup back in the summer with what was basically a second string side.
Brazil will also enter as one of the favourites as the number two ranked side according to FIFA and they’ll be hoping to avenge what happened to them at home last time round.
Now the draw has been made we really have something to look forward to. I for one can’t bloody wait!
SportBible.com
